GPO 



A MINISTER'S ACCOUNT OF II 1 S STEWARDSHIP 



rifiioiii »i'.iiiifl(lf(l.p'i^r 



SERMON, 

PREACHED IN NORTHBOROUGH, 



OCTOBER 31, 1841. 



By JOSEPH ALLEN. 



ON THE COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF 
HIS MINISTRY IN THAT PLACE. 



SPrintetr b$ Request 



CAMBRIDGE: 
METCALF, TORRY, AND BALLOU. 
1842. 



TO THE MEMBERS 

OF THE 

FIRST PARISH IN NORTHBOROUGH, 
THIS DISCOURSE 

IS INSCRIBED BY THEIR FRIEND AND MINISTER, 

JOSEPH ALLEN. 



DISCOURSE. 



The day has just passed, which completed the twenty- 
fifth year of my ministry. At its commencement I scarcely 
dared to look forward to so distant a day ; and now that that 
period has been completed, the retrospect fills my mind with 
wonder and gratitude. For I feel that I have been privileged 
above the common lot. My brethren and fathers in the 
ministry, with whom I was associated at the commencement 
of this period, where are they? How few remain in the 
places they then occupied ! And what changes have come 
upon the families to whom I then ministered ! A new gen- 
eration has come up to fill the places deserted by their former 
occupants. Whole families have been broken up and dis- 
persed, or gathered to their final resting place. The whole 
appearance of things seems changed. And I am spared and 
permitted to stand in my lot, as at this day. 

It is therefore in accordance with the feelings awakened by 
the occasion, that I have chosen for my text the words of 
Paul, recorded in Acts, 26th chapter, 22d verse. 

"Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto 

THIS DAY." 

Let us then review this period, and bring together some of 
the most important facts in our Ecclesiastical History, for the 
last twenty-five years. 



It was on the 29th of February, 1816, that the Rev. Peter 



4 



Whitney, my immediate predecessor in the ministry, instan- 
taneously expired, in the 72d year of his age, and the 49th of 
his ministry. Agreeably to the custom which at that time 
prevailed in the Congregational Churches, the pulpit was 
supplied for a succession of Sabbaths by the ministers of the 
neighboring towns. In the mean time opportunity was 
given to the people to look around for a suitable person to be 
employed as a candidate for the supply of the vacant pulpit. 
In the latter part of May, he who now addresses you received 
an invitation by the committee of the town to preach as a 
candidate for settlement. And on the first Sabbath in July, 
his voice was first heard within these walls. 

There are some yet with us, who may remember the still- 
ness which pervaded the great assembly, when the speaker an- 
nounced his text and repeated the words : — " Then Jesus 
stood and cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto me 
and drink." — But they do not remember, for they could not 
know, with what trembling solicitude that discourse was de- 
livered, and the other services of the day were performed. 
After a probation of eight weeks, the candidate received an 
invitation from the church and the town to become their 
minister,* and on the 30th of the following October, he was 
ordained as the Pastor of the Church and the Minister of the 
town. The Ordaining Council, (as was usual at that time,) 
was composed not exclusively of those whose religious sen- 
timents were supposed to be in accordance with those of the 
candidate. f Indeed, although the same diversities of religious 
belief existed then as now, and although the sentiments of the 
candidate were fully avowed, and were well understood in 
their leading features by those to whom he was called to 
minister ; and, although on this very ground, strenuous efforts 
were made, principally by individuals from other towns, who 
professed a great concern, lest the good people of Northborough 
should be hoodwinked and deceived, to prevent his ordination ; 
yet it was his happiness to live in great peace and friendliness 



* See Appendix, Note A. 



t Appendix, Note B. 



5 



both with such of his own hearers, and neighboring ministers, as, 
on the ground of difference of theological sentiment, had been 
opposed to his settlement ; and a free ministerial intercourse 
was maintained with the latter, with but few exceptions, for 
the first twelve or fifteen years of his ministry. * 

It may surprise some of the younger part of my hearers, 
to be told that, where there are now three religious societies 
there was then but one ; that all worshipped in one house, and 
all contributed to the support of one and the same minister, 
who was then styled, as he was in fact, the minister of the 
town. Whether greater good or evil has resulted from the 
change, we have experienced — whether it has contributed 
to kindly feeling and friendly offices between neighbors, or 
has awakened more of a jealous and censorious spirit ; wheth- 
er the cause of good learning and good morals and true reli- 
gion has on the whole been advanced by the multiplication 
of sects and places of worship, or whether the gain, whatever 
it may have been, is sufficient to compensate for the increas- 
ed burden of taxation, and the breaking up of a once harmo- 
nious society, and above all, and more than all, for the lessons 
of uncharitableness which are likely to be instilled into the 
susceptible minds of youth, let others judge. For myself, 
however little cause I may have to complain of unkind or un- 
generous treatment from the ministers, or the members of the 
other societies, I cannot look upon the change with entire 
complacency, or revert to our former union without experienc- 
ing some emotions of sadness and sorrow. 

But to return to the day and the occasion, whose twenty-fifth 
anniversary we are called to notice. It would be difficult for 
those, who have come upon the stage of action since the time 
when the multiplication of new Societies, and the frequent 
removal of ministers, have made an ordination an every~day 
affair, that attracts very little notice, beyond the immediate 
limits of the parish, to form any adequate conception of the 
interest of such an occasion at the period referred to. 

* See Appendix, Note C, 



6 



The interest pervaded the whole community, and extended 
into neighboring towns. Preparations were made for it on a 
scale of liberality, which seemed to imply that trouble and 
expense were of no account. To the inhabitants of Northbor- 
ough. it was a clay of Jubilee, such as had not occurred among 
them for nearly 50 years ; and as might well be supposed it 
was anticipated and welcomed with great joy. The day at 
length arrived ; and it was one of those serene and mild days, 
that in our climate commonly intervene between the first 
frosts and the setting in of winter. Multitudes flock in from 
the neighboring towns. The church is filled in every part ; 
and great numbers are unable to obtain admittance. After 
the services are over, the great assembly disperses, and all find 
a welcome at the well furnished tables that are spread for them 
in the houses of the inhabitants. The eagerness, with which 
the invitations are given and pressed even upon strangers, re- 
minds one of Eastern hospitality. 

To him on whose account these preparations are made, and 
who in the presence of this great assembly receives the seals 
of office, and assumes the solemn responsibilities of the Chris- 
tian ministry, the occasion is one of thrilling and almost over- 
powering interest. It forms a new and most important era 
in his life. It assigns him his field of labor. It establishes 
new and interesting relations. According to Congregational 
usage it gives him authority to administer the Christian ordi- 
nances, and by the laws of the land it empowers him to sol- 
emnize marriages. It gives him access to the chamber of sick- 
ness, and to the house of mourning, to administer the counsels 
and consolations of religion to the children of suffering and 
sorrow. 

Under such circumstances it is not surprising, that the re- 
sponsibilities of the pastoral office press upon the young and 
inexperienced minister with a great weight, and lead him to 
feel how utterly insufficient he is for meeting them in his own 
strength. 

Pardon me, my hearers, if I linger a few moments longer 
on the bright morning of my ministry, before adverting to 



7 



some of the prominent events which have marked the day 
which it ushered in. There are some present who can, with 
me, bring before them the scenes and the characters which I 
shall call up — on whose memories they are traced with a 
vividness which make them seem like life and reality. And 
there are others, it may be, Avho can sympathize with their pas- 
tor in the emotions which are awakened in his bosom by the 
retrospect. 

The appearance presented by this church on the following 
Sabbath rises up before him, and the images of those who oc- 
cupied the well-filled pews present themselves with great dis- 
tinctness to his mind. There sat the fathers and the mothers 
of those who now occupy the same seats, almost every house- 
holder being the owner and occupant of a pew. There 
were gathered by the side of them their little domestic flocks ; 
or where the number was too great, seated in another part of 
the house. There, too, was a large and well disciplined choir 
of singers under a leader of skill and taste. * And the 
house in every part was filled with attentive and apparently 
serious worshippers. And I may add, such was the appear- 
ance presented not only on extraordinary occasions, but 
Sabbath after Sabbath in all seasons, when the weather per- 
mitted — during the early part of my ministry. Very few 
then habitually absented themselves from public worship, and 
the occasional absence of any one, who made any pretensions 
to respectability, was noticed as a remarkable occurrence, and 
led to inquiries into its cause. Nor were slight causes deemed 
a sufficient apology for absence. Even in the most inclement 
season of the year, and before the thought of warming church- 
es by furnaces or stoves had been entertained, it was com- 
mon for whole families — not a few of the more hardy and 
resolute members only — to attend church regularly, morning 
and evening, every Sabbath. And there were those, and some 
may be still living, who could make it their boast, that for 
years they never once failed for a single Sabbath to be present 
in their accustomed seats on the Lord's day. 



* See Appendix, Note D. 



On that first Sabbath of my ministry, I addressed the con- 
gregation on the reciprocal duties of pastor and people, taking 
for my text the words, " Who is sufficient for these things ?" 
At the time of my settlement the town contained nearly 800 
inhabitants, and probably about 150 families. The proportion 
of communicants was, I believe, large for that day — consist- 
ing of about 120, one third of whom were males, and two 
thirds females. Most of the church members, however, espec- 
ially the brethren of the church, were old, or had passed the 
middle period of life, scarcely any young heads of families, or 
youths of either sex belonging to the church. 

Such was the field of labor into which I was introduced. 
It was not an uncultivated waste, but a fertile field, which 
bore marks of the skill and fidelity of former laborers. It 
was a small town, but the people were intelligent, public-spir- 
ited, and united. There was an unusual number of men in 
the prime of life, mostly heads of families, respectable in 
their appearance, and constant attendants on public worship. 
It was often remarked by the ministers, with whom I exchang- 
ed, and by strangers, who visited us, that they had seldom seen 
a better looking congregation than at that time occupied these 
seats on the Lord's day. Methinks I can see them now — the 
venerable fathers, and the strong and healthy middle-aged 
men who then lined these aisles, of whom but a scattered 
few now remain. Methinks I can see, too, the pleasant faces 
and hear the melodious voices of those who then sung the 
songs of Zion. But they too have disappeared, and but one 
now retains his place in the choir, and only a scattered few 
are found in our midst. 

But it is time that I advert to some of the principal chang- 
es that have been introduced, and some of the most important 
incidents that have occurred in our ecclesiastical history during 
the last twenty-five years. It will be convenient for me to re- 
view my ministry in three distinct periods of about eight years 
each ; as it was nearly at the expiration of each of the two for- 
mer periods, that the most important changes in our ecclesiasti- 
cal condition took place. 



9 



During the first seven or eight years, only one family, so far 
as I can recollect, withdrew from my ministry and support, 
and attended worship in a neighboring town.* And although 
some efforts were made at an early period to introduce preach- 
ing of a different character, they met with very little encour- 
agement, and the people remained united, and steadfast, and 
immovable : and most of those, who on the ground of a dif- 
ference of theological opinion had opposed my settlement, and 
among them the two venerable and excellent deacons of this 
church, were constant attendants on my ministry, and showed 
me every mark of confidence and friendship, that could be 
desired. One of them has gone to his reward, and one is 
still living, of whose continued respect and friendliness, 
though he is no longer with us, I have never for a moment 
doubted. f During this period I felt that I was in truth 
the minister of the town. I bolemnized all the marriages, 
attended ail the funerals, visited all the sick and afflicted, 
and looked upon all the children in the place as lambs of my 
flock, and have reason to believe that I was looked upon by 
them with affectionate esteem. As was natural under such 
circumstances, the principal direction of the schools, as in the 
choice of books, the methods of teaching, &c. was placed in 
my hands, a sacred trust, which, however it may have been 
abused, 1 have been permitted to hold, through all the changes 
that we have experienced in our ecclesiastical affairs, without 
interruption for twenty-five years. % During this first third of 

* See Appendix, Note E. 
t See Appendix, Note F. 

t The office of a School Committee-man, at least of the Chairman, is no sine- 
cure. Besides the time taken up in the meetings of the board, the examination of 
candidates, the taking of the annual census, and the preparation of the annual re- 
ports to the town and the Board of Education, the schools in the six districts are 
to be visited each at least four times in the year, making in all twenty-four vis- 
itations. I have no doubt that the average number of visitations that I have made 
of the schools in this town would exceed this number for each of the 25 years of 
my minsistry. Assuming that as the average number, the whole would 
amount to 600, occupying nearly as many half days. For several years, the 
committee devoted a day to the last examination of each of the winter schools, 
carrying their dinners with them, and spending most of the intermission in a 

2 



10 



my ministry, ail the children in the town received religious in- 
struction under my direction in our common schools, and were 
personally instructed by the minister in his visitations of the 
schools, and at general catechisings, as they were called, 
which took place once at least in the year. And during the 
latter part of this period, or about the year 1820, religious in- 
struction, with the Bible for a text book, began to be giv- 
en on the Sabbath by teachers appointed for that purpose, 
which soon led to the more perfect organization of our Sun- 
day School, viz. in the spring of 1824. 

It was about this time that, by the direction of the Worces- 
ter Association, I prepared, for the use of children and youth, the 
Catechism in three parts, known under the name of " The Wor- 
cester Catechism," and which was followed some years after by 
Questions on the Gospels and Acts, in three small volumes, and 
a fourth on Genesis, which are now extensively used in the 
Churches of our denomination.* Although it properly be- 
longs to the second division of my ministerial life, I will here 
advert to the origin of our Lyceum, an institution which has 
exerted, it is believed, no inconsiderable influence on the cause 
of education and good morals. It was in the winter of 1826-7, 
that I commenced a course of twelve lectures on Astronomy 
in the Town Hall, which was followed by two similar cours- 
es, consisting of twelve lectures each, on several depart- 
ments in Natural History and Natural Philosophy, in the 
two next years, the concluding lecture of each course be- 
ing given in the Meetinghouse, with other religious servi- 
ces. This was the origin of our Lyceum, one of the earli- 
est institutions of the kind, which, owing to the patronage 

careful examination of the writings. And this has always been done, at least so 
far as the Chairman is concerned, without pecuniary compensation, though not 
without reward. 

It is a fact honorable to the town, that four of our school-houses have been 
rebuilt within a few years, at an expense of more than $5000; and the town 
is pledged to rebuild the one in the East district in the coming year. In the 
mean time, the annual appropriation for the schools has been increased from 
$500 to $900. 

* See Appendix, Note G. 



11 

and encouragement it has received from a liberal-minded 
community, has continued to flourish up to the present 
time. For fifteen winters in succession, lectures on a great 
variety of subjects, many of them of a very high order of 
excellence, have been given in our Town Hall every Wednes- 
day evening, during the continuance of our winter schools. — 
Nor, judging from the past, has the interest in this institution 
abated in the least degree, and it is only to be regretted that a 
hall of ampler dimensions has not yet been provided for the 
accommodation of the increasing numbers who wish to attend. 

Regarding a good Library as an efficient means of promot- 
ing the cause of education, the formation of such an institu- 
tion was one of the earliest objects to which my efforts were 
directed. The result was the formation of " The Young La- 
dies' Library," in the spring of 1817, under the direction of an 
association consisting at first of about sixty young ladies, who 
were accustomed for several years to hold meetings one after- 
noon in each week, and afterwards once in two weeks, during 
six months in the year, bringing their work with them, and 
while engaged in their labors, listening to the reading by their 
pastor of such books, generally of a moral and religious charac- 
ter, as he had selected for that purpose. By the proceeds of their 
labor they were soon able to purchase a valuable library, be- 
sides contributing a handsome sum every year to charitable 
purposes. Of the propitious influences of this institution, not 
only upon its members but upon the whole town, no one ac- 
quainted with the facts will doubt. There was at that time on- 
ly one Library in town, which had had its day, but consisting 
principally of works on theology and religion, and those of an 
older date, the library was, I believe, little read, and excited but 
little interest in the young. 

The Young Ladies' Library is still in existence, and it 
might be well to inquire, if it might not be revived and made 
more useful, than it now is, to those who are coming upon the 
stage of life, as it was to those for whom it was originally 
formed. 

It was just at the close of this part of my ministry, viz. 



12 



May, 1824, that the wants of a younger class of persons were 
met by the establishment of a Juvenile or Sunday School 
Library. The subject was first proposed to the Church. May 
7, 1824, and the first contribution for its support was made 
on the 16th of the same month. I mention these dates, be- 
cause I suppose it is one of the oldest institutions of the kind 
in New England, that is, of a Free Juvenile Library, sup- 
ported by an annual contribution of the Society. It has 
always been an object of interest to the children and youth 
in this place, and the annual contributions for its support 
have been creditable to the town and parish. Many of the 
books have been worn out or lost, but these have been re- 
placed by others, so that the library now contains more than 
four hundred volumes. 

In this connexion I may mention w,hat belongs to a later 
period, that the foundation of the Free Parish Library, which 
is kept in the projection of the Meetinghouse, was laid by a 
donation from the pastor of fifty volumes, which was ac- 
cepted by a vote of the Church, in May, 1S27, on the 
condition, that it be placed under the control of the Church, 
and that it remain forever a charitable library, deriving its 
support only from voluntary donations or contributions. On 
the following December, it was greatly enlarged by the addi- 
tion of the books belonging to the old " Social Library," 
which by nearly an unanimous vote of the proprietors was 
united with and merged in it. It has also been increased by 
annual contribution, and now contains more than four hun- 
dred volumes, and is free for the use of all persons residing 
in the town. 

Of the Young Men's Library, which was formed at a sub- 
sequent period, and which contains many valuable books, as 
not belonging exclusively to the first parish, I forbear to 
speak. 

Most of the institutions I have mentioned had their origin 
in the early part of my ministry, and I trust I may say with- 
out the imputation of vanity, that they are indebted for their 
existence and success in some measure to efforts, which I was 



13 



led to make in their behalf, but more, much more I feel 
bound in justice to admit, to the liberal spirit with which 
these efforts were met and seconded. Among a people of a 
different spirit, much more strenuous and better directed 
efforts might have been lost. 

I have now reviewed the first third of my ministry, spoken 
of the state of this religious society, when it was committed to 
my pastoral care, and of some of the measures, which were 
adopted for the improvement of the people. Let no one 
think that this review awakens in the pastor only pleasing 
emotions, or that it is accompanied by self-gratulation and 
self-applause ; for although he can truly say, that he has ever 
had the interests of this people, and of the whole people, at 
heart, and earnestly desired their highest good, he is too 
deeply conscious of his many deficiences and defects to boast 
of the little good he may have done j and often has he felt, 
that he was wholly undeserving of the congratulations, with 
which he has been met at home and abroad, on account of 
the high character of our schools, and the general prosperity 
of the religious society to which he ministers, as though this 
had been the result of his labors. He is humbled and some- 
times almost overwhelmed, by thinking of the numerous 
opportunities for usefulness that have not been improved, of 
the imperfections of his public services, and of the many in- 
stances, in which he has omitted to give utterance to truths, 
that ought to have been spoken, or at the time when they 
were most urgently called for. Especially has he felt this 
when those, who might have been benefitted by words season- 
ably and fitly spoken, have been suddenly and unexpectedly 
removed beyond the reach of his voice, before they had given 
any satisfactory evidence of their being qualified for the 
kingdom of heaven. How far the changes in our ecclesias- 
tical condition, which I am about to notice, were occasioned 
by ministerial unfaithfulness, and whether they might have 
been prevented in whole or in part, by a more wise, devoted, 
and earnest ministry, I leave it for others to judge. However 
much I lamented them at the time, I trust I can now speak 



14 



of those changes in a kind and forbearing spirit, and without 
a particle of bitterness or acrimony. For myself, when I 
consider how long our union and harmony were permitted to 
last, and how few of those, who had been in favor of my 
settlement, have been alienated from me, and how few of 
those, who have ever been connected with this society, have 
forsaken my ministry, and when I think of the many proofs 
of confidence and affection, which, in the most trying scenes 
that we have passed through, I have received from the peo- 
ple to whom I ministered, — when I call to mind the encour- 
agements and aids, by which I have been enabled to carry 
into execution the plans I had formed for the promotion of 
learning and religion, especially when I advert to the pleas- 
ant and friendly intercourse I have maintained, with but few 
exceptions, with the ministers and members of the other 
churches in this town, and contrast it with the revilings, and 
contentions, and alienations, which so often exist between 
rival sects in other places, I feel that, instead of complaining 
of hardship, or repining at my lot, I am bound to give thanks to 
God for the desirableness of the condition, in which I have 
been placed, and for the abounding mercies, with which he 
has crowned my life and my ministry. 

I have spoken of the peacefulness of the first part of my 
ministry. The appearance during this period of almost entire 
union and harmony among my people may have led to a 
relaxation of effort on my part, and without a seasonable 
check, might have awakened in me an undue self-compla- 
cency, and not only had an unpropitious influence on my 
character, but have rendered my ministry unprofitable and 
contemptible. Such a check was given, when, sometime in 
the year 1822, meetings began to be held in private houses 
by a Baptist minister from a neighboring town, which were 
attended by a good many of my people, and when, in April 
of the following year, an attempt was made by some dissatis- 
fied persons to obtain the use of the Town House, then just 
erected, for the purpose of holding religious or prayer meet- 
ings at such times as they might choose. The attempt was 



15 



unsuccessful, but it roused me to a sense of my danger, and 
prompted me to new and increased efforts, and I trust mads 
me a better man, and a more devoted minister. I find in 
comparing the discourses, written before and after this crisis 
in my ministry, as I have ever regarded it, that the latter 
breathe a more fervent, earnest, evangelical spirit than the 
former. And when on the following month an esteemed 
member of my Church, one who had joined it in the early 
part of my ministry, applied for a dismission, on the ground 
that " she could not be edified by my preaching," it cut me to 
the heart, and led me to inquire if I had indeed been so unfaith- 
ful to my high trust * I find in the record, that I made at the 
time, the following reflections occasioned by the events, to 
which I have referred, and which show how I was affected 
by them. 

"I think it is my desire to do good, let not this desire be 
weakened, let it rather be strengthened by the discourage- 
ments I am called to experience. Should those who have 
been my friends withdraw from my ministry, and endeavor 
to draw others after them, let me not be disheartened or dis- 
mayed. Let it not tempt me to withdraw my affection from 
them, or to labor and pray the less earnestly for their spiritu- 
al good." 

These measures being persevered in for several years re- 
sulted in the formation of the Baptist Society, Febuary 3d, 
1827, and the erection of a Church for their accommodation. 
The new Society, however, was small. But few withdrew 
from my ministry, and the Church of which I was pastor 
continued to be the only Congregational Church in the town, 
till after the completion of another third of my ministry.! 

It was during this second period, that a new system of 
ministerial exchanges was introduced into our churches, and 
ministers were compelled to take sides, and all ministerial 
intercourse and Christian communion between the two great 
parties, into which Congregational Churches were divided, 



See Appendix, Note H. 



t See Appendix, Note I. 



16 



was prohibited by those who had spiritual power to carry 
their decrees into execution.* Some nobly resisted, and in 
consequence lost their standing and influence, and in some 
instances their places. Some held out for a time, but after- 
wards weakly succumbed, and, reluctantly and with many 
misgivings, gave in their adherence to the new measures. 
The result was the introduction of the Exclusive System, as 
it was called, into nearly all the Congregational Churches 
reputed Orthodox, several years before the organization of the 
Evangelical Church in this town, So that from this time 
my exchanges from necessity were almost exclusively con- 
fined to those ministers who were ranked on the liberal side. 
There were a few honorable exceptions, both in this neigh- 
borhood and in other places. There were ministers who had 
too much Catholicism, and independence, and firmness to sub- 
mit to the dictation of others, and who continued long to 
maintain a liberal system of ministerial and Christian inter- 
course, f 

It was not till the spring of 1832, that a schism was made 
in the old Congregational Church of Northborough. A few 
individuals (three), had indeed, as early as the year 1830, 
asked and obtained a dismission from this Church, and a 
recommendation to the Evangelical Church in Berlin.J 

At length, early in the winter of 1832, measures were set 
on foot to form another religious society in this town — meet- 
ings were held at private houses, and preachers obtained from 
neighboring towns, and on the 8th of the following April, 
this church was called to act on the request of six persons, 
two males and four females, to be dismissed from our watch 
and care, with testimonials of their Christian character, in 
order that they might be prepared to be connected with a church 
soon to be organized, to be denominated "The Evangeli- 
cal Congregational Church of Northborough," whose request 
was granted by an unanimous vote of the brethren.^. The new 



* See Appendix, Note K. 
| Appendix, Note M. 



t Appendix, Note L. 
§ Appendix, Note N. 



17 



Church was organized on the 12th of the same month, at a 
public meeting in this house, the use of which was granted 
for that purpose, on which occasion a discourse was delivered 
by Rev. J. S. C. Abbott, then of Worcester, on Matthew x. 
34, " Think not that I am come to send peace on earth. I 
came not to send peace, but a sword." 

This event brings me to the last third division of my min- 
istry, soon after which time, viz. April 23, 1832, I ceased to 
be the minister of the town, this religious Society being at 
that date, organized as the First Parish, as it has remained to 
this time. 

It was in the preceding year, that the town received a 
munificent bequest from H. Gassett, Esq. of Boston, with a 
provision that five sixths of the interest of it, so soon as it 
should amount to four thousand dollars, should go towards the 
payment of the salary of the minister of the Congregational 
Church, which, as you are aware, has been available for sev- 
eral years, and now pays more than one third of my stated 
salary.* 

The hope was doubtless entertained by the donor, that he 
should by this means do something towards preventing in his 
native town the divisions, which had at that time become com- 
mon, and which in small towns especially he with others de- 
precated as a serious evil. Whether its influence shall prove 
salutary or prejudicial to the society, which is thus relieved of 
a part of the burden of supporting the institutions of religion, re- 
mains to be seen. Should it have the effect, that ministerial 
funds have had in some places, of leading the society to feel lit- 
tle interest in what costs them but little, so as to be reluctant to 
make any efforts or sacrifices for keeping the house of God in re- 
pair, for the encouragement of sacred music, or for the honora- 
ble support of the ministry ; if it should prove the occasion of 
contention and discord instead of union and peace ; especially 
if it should have a palsying and deadening influence upon the 
cause of vital religion ; not only will the benevolent designs 



* See Appendix, Note O. 

3 



IS 



by the donor be frustrated, but the evil will greatly counter- 
balance any good that may accrue from the donation. It will 
be the part of wisdom to guard against the evils to which I 
have adverted, that so "The Gassett Fund," as it is called, 
may prove a help and not a hindrance to your true prosperity. 

In looking back at this distance of time to the changes in 
the external condition of this religious society to which I have 
adverted, I find it difficult to recal the feelings they awaken- 
ed in my bosom while they were recent. Those feelings 
were of the most painful character. They affected me 
more deeply than any other events in my ministry or in my 
life. They seriously injured my health, and at one time I 
feared that they might soon terminate my ministry and my 
life. This may be accounted for in part by the fact of my 
having been settled as a minister of the town, and by the 
circumstance that, having lived in great harmony with my 
people for so many years, I had come to look upon all who 
attended on my ministry as rightfully belonging to me, — as 
in fact members of a family of which I was constituted head. 
The children and youth had received instruction at my hands ; 
their faces had become familiar to me ; I was known of them 
and they of me ; and I looked upon them with interest and af- 
fection as lambs of my flock. There was not a family in town 
which I was not accustomed to visit, and in which I was not 
received with apparent welcome ; and few were the houses 
in which I had not been called to perform the last sad offices 
of humanity, and to minister the consolations of religion to 
the sick and the dying, the bereaved and the forsaken. 

Under these circumstances it is not perhaps surprising thaj 
I should be deeply grieved and afflicted, when one after anoth- 
er of those whom I loved were induced to withdraw from 
my ministry, and to seek instruction elsewhere. The case is 
different where a minister is settled over a divided flock, or 
over a society composed of one of the fragments into which a 
town has been broken up. 

But I soon became in a measure reconciled to the change 
which was so painful at first, and though I cannot cease to la- 



19 



ment the disruption of old ties, I now feel that God meant it 
for good ) and I have a strong conviction that no part of my 
ministry has been more prosperous or accompanied with more 
solid satisfaction, than that comprised within the period I am 
now reviewing. 

In illustration of this remark I will mention the fact, that of 
the 158 persons that have been admitted to this church during 
my ministry, nearly one half have joined it since the 1st of 
May, 1832, and considerably more than one half in the last 
ten years. The largest number was in 1836, when 22 united 
themselves with this church . Nor have we often occasion to 
complain of empty pews ; and all would be occupied every 
Sabbath, should all that are legally connected with this Society 
with their families attend public worship, as constantly as do 
some, and as was the good old custom in the days of our fathers. 

As it respects the support of religious institutions, it certain- 
ly should not be felt as a burden in a society, where one third 
of it is provided for by a permanent and accumulating fund, 
especially when it is considered how great sacrifices are made 
for this object by other churches of our own or different de- 
nominations, both in and out of New England. 

No one, I am sure, will understand me as saying this from 
any personal considerations, as though I were pleading in my 
own behalf. You know me too well, to suppose that I should 
be willing to remain here a single day, as an incumbrance and 
a burden, or when it was thought that my services were not 
worth as much as they cost. I say it for your encouragement, 
my brethren, and if need be, your admonition, that you may 
duly appreciate your privileges, and know in this your day 
the things which belong to your peace, before they shall be 
hidden from your eyes. I will mention in this connexion 
that the number of families connected with this religious So- 
ciety is about 120. Of the individuals, who are taxed for its 
support, the whole number is 138, of whom only 16 pay over 
five dollars each, while 53 pay less than one dollar, and 69 be- 
tween 1 and 5 each. Our Society oas diminished somewhat 
in numbers and in strength, by the withdrawal of some of its 



20 



former members ; but it may still be regarded as a strong So- 
ciety, fully competent to sustain itself, without depending on 
foreign aid. Our Sunday School too has contained on an av- 
erage a larger number of pupils, the last five or six years, than 
at any former period since it was established. # I think we 
have reason to congratulate ourselves on this state of things, 
and to bless God for his goodness, that our union, peace, and 
prosperity have to so great a degree been preserved, and that 
we have been permitted to retain our Christian privileges as 
we do this day. 

It was during this last period that we were furnished with 
a commodious Vestry, and that our ungainly pulpit was ex- 
changed for the beautiful one which now fills its place ; and 
that other additions were made to the comfort and elegance of 
this goodly edifice, which our fathers builded, and which we 
have inherited. Peace be with in these walls, and prosperity 
within our borders, and let a Holiness to the Lord " be inscrib- 
ed on all the parts and appurtenances of this house of prayer, 
and this temple of the Most High.f 

But our fathers who builded this house, and their sons, who 
occupied these seats, 25 years ago — where are they ? The 
aged matrons too, and the young mothers, and the youthful 
band of sons and daughters, who sat by their side, where are 
they ? How few of them are present to take part in the so- 
lemnities of this hour. Those who were aged have all gone, 
or perhaps one or two remain, the feeble remnants of a former 
generation. The middle aged have grown old, or have al- 
ready been gathered to their fathers. And of those who were 
then young, how many have found their graves in other pla- 
ces, or sleep in the graves of their kindred at home ! 

I look around for those strong men, and those worthy mat- 
rons, and those blooming youths with whom I was so pleas- 
antly associated in the first years of my ministry, I call to 
mind their looks, and tones of voice, and I cannot forget their 
acts of personal kindness, and their readiness to every good 
work. But I miss them from their accustomed seats. I visit 

* See Appendix, Note P. t See Appendix, Note Q. 



21 



their houses ; but their houses are no longer called after their 
names, or another generation has taken possession of them. I 
linger among the places of the dead, and read their names on 
the monuments that affection has reared over their graves. 

Of the 800 persons of all ages that we numbered at the be- 
ginning of the last Quarter Century, how few (only about 150) 
yet remain with us, and are now reckoned with the 1200 
now found within our borders ! 

I consult the records of the Parish, and I find that the num- 
ber of deaths in the town during the period of 25 years is 
382, on an average somewhat more than fifteen in a year, and 
including all but about 50 of those who were heads of fami- 
lies at the time of my settlement. On nearly as many funer- 
al occasions, including those which I have attended in other 
towns, have I been called to officiate. How many of these were 
occasions of deep, heart-rending grief, the memory of which 
is yet vivid on the minds of surviving friends. And some 
were scenes of moral sublimity, which could scarcely fail to 
strengthen our faith in the power, and unrivalled worth of 
religion, and to lift our thoughts above this dying world.* 

With how many afflicted parents, weeping in anguish over 
their withered hopes ; with how many orphan children left in 
their weakness and inexperience to make their way alone 
without the guidance of their natural guardians ; with how 
many of all ages and conditions have I been called to sympa- 
thize, and minister the consolations of religion, in their bereave- 
ment and affliction ! 

On occasions of joy too I have been present, and tendered 
my congratulations and good wishes to those, whose union in 
the holy bonds of wedlock I had solemnized by religious rites. 

But were the hopes awakened on these interesting occasions 
always realized ? How soon in some instances was the joy of 
the bridal hour turned into mourning and bitter disappoint- 
ment. Three hundred and twenty-eight persons, have I join- 
ed in holy wedlock ; of which number, as nearly as I can as- 
certain, no fewer than fifty-six have already exchanged the 

* See Appendix, Note R. 



22 



wedding garment for the funeral shroud, and only forty cou- 
ples in all are now inhabitants of this town. 

But lest your patience and my strength should be exhaust- 
ed, I must hasten to a close. 

I have reviewed the whole period during which I have been 
permitted to minister at this altar. The narrative has been 
long, but I could not well abridge it. Having labored among 
you for a Quarter of a Century, it was my wish to give you a 
plain and simple account of my stewardship, during this com- 
paratively long period ; for I have been longer in the ministry 
than any of my brethren of any denomination in either of the 
six towns which border on this ; and with, one exception I am 
the oldest in the association to which 1 belong. 

The review I have taken has awakened in my bosom emo- 
tions of gratitude and joy. I can truly say that I have had a 
pleasant ministry and have led a happy life ; for I have been 
blessed in my domestic relations, have been surrounded by 
kind friends, have been preserved from severe and protracted 
sickness, having never been confined to the sick bed for a single 
day, and only on two or three occasions, and then with a single 
exception in very inclement weather, prevented by indisposi- 
tion from standing in my place on the Lord's day. 

With wonder and deep thankfulness, do I also call to mind, 
that, while the family over which I have presided has been 
uncommonly large, consisting often of more than twenty 
members, and while more than one hundred and fifty different 
individuals, besides those to whom I am nearly allied, have, 
for periods of from three months to as many years, dwelt un- 
der my roof, although in several instances lives very dear have 
been brought into jeopardy, so that the hope of recovery had 
almost vanished, death has never yet entered our dwelling, nor 
have parents or children been called to part. " Bless the Lord, 
O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." What of good or 
evil Providence has in store for you or for me, time only can 
disclose. May we meet it, wmatever it may be, with a sub- 
missive spirit, and a trustful and thankful heart, and " learn in 
whatsoever state we may be, therewith to be content." 



23 



It would be a foolish presumption in me to look forward to 
the completion of another quarter of a century. My minis- 
try, and, I may add, my life, have already been protracted be- 
yond the expectation I had dared to entertain, when I first 
came among you. I trust, I shall be prepared for the termin- 
ation of either, whenever in the Providence of God it shall be 
brought to a close. 

God grant that I may then be able to give a good account 
of my stewardship, and that you, my dear brethren and 
friends, with many of the precious ones who have already 
gone to the better land, may be my joy and crown of rejoicing 
in the day of the Lord. 

" And now, brethren," in the words of the Apostle Paul, 
" I commend you to God and the word of his grace, which is 
able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all 
those who are sanctified," to whom be glory through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



APPENDIX. 



Note A. Page 4. 

The vote of the church stood 27 in the affirmative and 7 in the nega- 
tive. The town concurred with the church in the invitation by a vote 
of 107 to 11, the members of the church voting with the rest of the 
inhabitants ; so that the dissentients in the whole town were but eleven. 
Of these eleven, it may be remarked, nearly all remained attached to this 
society, attended regularly on my ministry, and manifested their friendli- 
ness in every suitable way. In all the changes that subsequently took 
place, some of them stood firm and immovable, of whom some remain unto 
this day. 

Note B. Page 4. 

The Ordaining Council was composed of the pastors and delegates of 
churches in the following places. 



Shrewsbury, The College Church in Cambridge, 

Berlin, Mr. Abbott's of Salem, 
Boylston, Medfield, 

Marlborough, Mr. Frothingham's of Boston, 
Worcester, Lunenburgh, 
Westborough, Quincy, 
Lancaster, Waltham. 



In the presence of this Council the pastor elect was called upon to 
give a summary of his theological views, and of the leading purposes 
and aims with which he entered the ministry. This not giving satis- 
faction to all the members of the Council, a great number of questions 
were put to him in relation to his faith, to each of which he endeav- 
ored to give an explicit answer, in accordance with the dictates of his 
conscience. It was a trying occasion, and one from which a young man 
would naturally shrink. But on most of the points on which I was 
questioned I had, as I thought, clear and definite ideas, whether true or 
false, and I was not ashamed to avow them, believing them to be in har- 
4 



26 



mony with the word of God, and suited to have a propitious influence on 
those who should receive them. Besides, I knew that I was surrounded by 
friends, and I well remember how much I was encouraged and sustained 
by the benignant looks and kind words of that good old man (Dr. Sumner, 
of Shrewsbury) who presided over the Council. The result was, that one of 
the pastors (Rev. E. Rockwood, of Westborough,) and two delegates, Deacon 
Forbes, of Westborough, and Deacon Fay, of Berlin, voted against the ordi- 
nation. Dr. Puffer, of Berlin, declined voting, but took a part in the public 
services, which were as follows : — 

Introductory Prayer, by Mr. Whitney, of Quincy. 
Sermon, by Prof. Ware, on Jer. xv. 19. 
Consecrating Prayer, by President Kirkland. 
Charge, by Dr. Sanders, of Medfield. 
Right Hand of Fellowship, by Mr. Abbott, of Salem. 
Concluding Prayer, by Dr. Puffer, of Berlin. 

Note C. Page 5. 

There was not one of the Congregational ministers in the neighboring 
towns, with whom I did not exchange ministerial labors. Once I exchanged 
pulpits with the Rev. Mr. Rockwood, of Westborough, who, it will be 
recollected, had voted against my ordination. In all such cases it was my 
custom scrupulously to avoid debatable ground, and to select such dis- 
courses as I supposed would not interfere with the theological views of the 
minister whose pulpit I occupied. This courtesy was generally, I believe, 
though not always, reciprocated. In some instances confidence has been 
abused, and the voice of a stranger has sometimes sounded harsh and dis- 
cordant notes in a pulpit not his own. 

In the church at Westborough, at the time of my exchange with its pas- 
tor, the custom prevailed, which I believe was common at an earlier period, 
and which may even now be retained in some churches, of reading in pub- 
lic, Relations of Experience, as they were called, written or dictated by 
candidates for admission into the church. Two such Relations were put 
into my hands, by the pastor, with the request that I Avould read them be- 
fore the congregation, which I accordingly did. The same custom prevailed 
in the church of which I was originally a member, — the Congregational 
church in Medfield, — under the care of its excellent pastor, the late Rev. 
Dr. Prentiss. And although in many instances these Relations were dis- 
creet and proper, and such as could hardly fail to awaken the sympathies 
of the audience, I can well recollect instances when, young as I was, I felt 
that they contained confessions of guilt, altogether improper to be made 
before a promiscuous assembly, if, indeed, they should be heard out of the 
sanctuary of the closet of one's devotions. 



27 



Note D. Page 7. 

Mr. Cephas Newhall, now of Sterling, then an inhabitant of this town, 
was the leader of our Choir here referred to, of whom it is no more than 
justice to say that, in the selection of appropriate tunes, in adapting the 
tones to the sentiments expressed, and in exercising a sort of magic in- 
fluence over the whole Choir, so as literally to be their leader, drawing them 
along after him insensibly and without effort, he was surpassed by few. 

On the day of my ordination, the singers' seats were filled, — the ladies 
being tastefully adorned with white turbans and blue ribbons. Italy, which 
was sung to the 278th hymn in Belknap, has been ever since one of my 
favorite tunes, and I never hear it, without a vivid recollection of the occa- 
sion when, as an ordained minister, I first listened to its sweet notes. 

It should be added, in justice to our Choir, that, sustained as it ever has 
been by the patronage of the Society, it has always been respectable ; and 
that those, who, from time to time, have belonged to it, have generally ex- 
hibited a spirit of condescension and mutual forbearance and friendliness, 
which is highly commendable, and which has prevented in a great measure 
those collisions and dissensions, of which we sometimes hear in other places, 
and of which the consequences are sometimes so disastrous. Money has 
been appropriated by the Society for the support of a singing school, com- 
monly as often as once in two or three years. At the time I came to this 
place, Watts's Psalms and Hymns were in use. Belknap was substituted 
for Watts on Thanksgiving day, about one month after my ordination. 
Belknap was retained till January, 1835, when Greenwood's beautiful se- 
lection of Hymns was substituted for it, and gives, I believe, universal 
satisfaction. 



Note E. Page 9. 

The statement in the text, as I have ascertained, is not strictly correct. 
The family alluded to was that of Mr. Asaph Rice, who, with his wife 
asked a dismission from this Church, and a recommendation to the Church 
in Westborough, under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Rockwood. The re- 
quest was granted by a vote of the Church, passed July 18, 1819. Mr. Rice 
had previously, viz. June 6, 1817, filed a certificate that he belonged to the 
Baptist Society in Westborough. 

Mr. Rice was the only Church member that withdrew from my ministry 
and support by filing a certificate with the Town Clerk, till near the time of 
the formation of the Evangelical Society. During the first seven years, the 
following persons, in addition to those alluded to, "sighed off" as it was 
called ; namely, Joel Brigham, Edward Bigelow, Benjamin Flagg, Eli Fair- 
banks, and Ezra Brown, all of whom connected themselves with the Baptist 
Societies in the neighboring towns. Before the death of Rev. Mr. Whitney, 



28 



eight others had withdrawn their support from this Society, and connected 
themselves with other denominations; namely, Seth Grout, Esq., Lewis 
Allen, Arte Patterson, Elijah F. Valentine, Benjamin Warren, Elijah Fay, 
and Rice Fay, Baptists, and John C. Davis, Methodist. 

There was only one other secession, (John Rider, in 1826,) till 1827-8, 
during which years the following persons filed certificates as belonging to 
the Baptist Society in Northborough, then just formed ; namely, Lyman 
Allen, Brigham Patterson, Jeremiah Hunt, John E. Hunt, Joseph Hunt, 
Elmer Valentine, Benjamin Rice, and Samuel Wood. 



Note F. Page 9. 

Deacon Isaac Davis, the father of Gov. Davis, remained a deacon of this 
Church till Nov. 18, 1825, a few months before he died. He had, a short 
time before his last sickness, June 25, 1824, made a present to the Church 
of a silver cup, which cost $ 27, and in his last sickness he showed his 
attachment to the Church, by giving directions to his family to procure a 
handsome linen cloth for the Communion Table. He died April 26, 1826, 
aged 77 ; and on the following Sabbath, his remains were brought into the 
Church, on which occasion a funeral discourse, on Hebrews iv. 9, " There 
remaineth a rest therefore to the people of God," was delivered by his 
pastor, who had visited him in his sickness, and who, notwithstanding a dif- 
ference in belief, thinks that he shared his confidence and friendship to the 
last. 

An elegant marble monument has been erected by his children over his 
remains, with this just and beautiful epitaph: 

" Isaac Davis, born at Rutland^ Feb. 1749. Died April 26, 1826. 
Mt. 77 years. 

As a representative of the people, he was honest ; as a magistrate of the 
country, just ; as a Christian, humble, but inspired with hope ; as a citizen, 
exemplary and useful ; as a husband and parent, virtuous and affectionate." 

Since the discourse was written, the other deacon alluded to, Nahum 
Fay, Esq., has. paid the last debt of nature, and gone to his reward. He 
died, Nov. 16, 1841, aged 84 years. Deacon Fay remained an officer of the 
Congregational Church till Feb. 26, 1832. when, on account of his age and 
infirmities, he requested to be excused from further service as a deacon. 
During the whole of this period, of more than fifteen years, Deacon Fay. 
not only was connected with this Church as a member and an officer, but 
took a warm interest in its prosperity, and seconded the measures, proposed 
by the pastor from time to time, to promote learning, morality, and piety. 
He was for many years an efficient member of the School Committee, 
took an early and decided stand in favor of the great Temperance reform, 
and as a magistrate and citizen, acquitted himself as a man of integrity and 



29 



religious principle. He had filled the office of Town Clerk forty-one years 
in succession, namely, from 1789 to 1830, had kept school forty winters, 
continuing in that employment till he was sixty years old, had served the 
town as a Selectman forty years, most of that time as Chairman of the 
board, and held various other offices of honor and trust to the acceptance 
of the town. 

I love to recal the scenes and occasions in which I have been associated 
with the good deacons of my Church. For whatever reproach may have 
been brought upon the office in other places by the conduct and character 
of some, who have borne the name, and discharged the office of a deacon, it 
has not been so with us. Of the four who have served in that office since 
the commencement of my ministry, and who have ceased from their mortal 
labors, I may be permitted to say, that they were each and all honorable men ; 
men of inflexible integrity, enjoying a large share of the public confidence, 
and justly entitled to be considered as among " the fathers of the town. 1 ' 
With us, therefore, the office of deacon is honorable, and the title is never 
used as a term of reproach, unless by the low and worthless, and those who 
make a mock of Religion itself. 

At the time of my ordination, Deacons Davis and Fay were in office. 
Deacon Davis was succeeded by Jonas Bartlett, who died Nov. 21, 1839, 
aged 69, and Deacon Fay by Samuel Seaver, who died Jan. 25, 1838, aged 
69. Daniel Brewer and Samuel Seaver are their successors in office. It 
was the custom here till about the year 1830, for the deacons, with their 
wives, to dine with their pastor on Communion Sundays, and on the pre- 
ceding day, to send to the parsonage a piece of meat to be cooked for the 
occasion. 



Note G. Page 10. 

Among other measures which I adopted during the earlier part of my 
ministry for the improvement of the young, I will mention the annual 
" Lecture to the Schools," which was always to me an occasion of deep in- 
terest, as I believe it was to the inhabitants of the town generally. These 
lectures were given at the close of the Winter Schools, all the children and 
youth in the town being expected to attend. The first lecture was given 
on the 10th of April, 1817, on which occasion 260 children met at the public 
house, then kept by Mr. Abraham Munroe, where they were arranged in 
divisions, according to their respective districts, each teacher at the head of 
his school, after which they marched in procession, under the direction of 
marshals, to the Church, which was thronged on the occasion, and where 
they listened to an Address on Proverbs iv. 7. This custom was preserved 
for ten or twelve years, when, the interest having somewhat abated, it was 
thought expedient to lay it aside, and to adopt something else as a substitute. 
After the organization of our Sunday School, suitable occasions for ad- 



30 



dressing the children were furnished by this institution. We have had four 
Sunday School or Juvenile Celebrations of the Fourth of July, namely, in 
1836, 1837, 1838, 1841, all of which, especially the second, were occasions 
of most thrilling 1 interest to old and young. The Worcester Association of 
Sunday School Teachers has also twice met here, when the children of our 
Sunday School assembled in the house of God, to listen to the counsels of 
the experienced and the wise, who sought to win their young hearts to the 
choice and pursuit of heavenly wisdom. 

Our Sunday School, as has been stated, was organized in 1824; so that 
it has now been in operation eighteen years, during the whole of which 
period, with occasional seasons of depression, it has maintained a respecta- 
ble standing. The number of scholars has varied from 120 to 230, and the 
number of teachers from 20 to 35, about one third of whom have been males, 
and the remaining two thirds females. Of some of those who have filled 
this office, it would be no more than justice to say, that they labored on 
year after year without discouragement, regularly attending the Teachers' 
Meetings, seldom absent from their places on the Sabbath, and devoting 
themselves with great assiduity to the religious instruction of the children 
committed to their care. Some of them still remain with us, — others are 
removed to other spheres of duty and usefulness, — and some have gone to 
their reward. Of the amount of good influence which they have exerted 
upon the young minds with which they have thus come in contact, it would 
not be possible to form an estimate. It will be known when the great day 
of reckoning shall come ; and great shall be the reward of the faithful, de- 
voted, affectionate Sunday School Teacher. 

The library connected with the Sunday School was commenced the same 
year that the School was organized ; and although it is still an object of inter- 
est with the young, it would be difficult for those who have enjoyed the priv- 
ilege of taking books from it for many years, to conceive of the eagerness 
with which the books were sought after, and the avidity with which they 
were devoured by those who were children seventeen years ago. The an- 
nual contributions for the library have varied from $ 14 to $31, averaging 
over $ 20 a year, — the whole amounting to $ 371 65. One year, (1839,) the 
Parish made a grant of $ 50 for the use of the Sunday School. I take 
pleasure in recording the fact, that a poor blind man, (John N. Butler.) wish- 
ing to show his gratitude for the kindness he has experienced from the 
members of a parish, to which he does not belong, has chosen annually to 
contribute his mite (and few have contributed more in actual amount during 
the same time) to our Sunday School Library. He began with a shilling, 
and increased it by sixpence a year, till it amounted to one dollar, which 
was the amount of his contribution for the year 1840. He began again 
the present year with the original shilling. Truly may it be said of 
him, as of the poor widow at the temple, that he hath cast into the treasury 
more than they all. 



31 



Note H. Page 15. 

The following- extract from the Church Records will explain the allusion 
in the text. 

" May 4, 1823. The Church were requested to tarry after the Commun- 
ion, to take into consideration the request of Mrs. Lucy Rice, wife of Mr. 
Benjamin Rice, to be dismissed and recommended to the Church in West- 
borough, under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Rockwood; the reason assigned 
for her request being, that she was not edified by the preaching usually 
heard in this place." 

Mrs. Rice was a daughter of Deacon Nahum Fay, and had connected 
herself with the Congregational Church, August 16, 1818. My intercourse 
with her had been pleasant; — I had visited her in her family, had bap- 
tized her children, and did not suspect any disaffection on her part towards 
her minister, till near the time she sent in her request for a dismission. I 
afterwards learned that her mind had been a good deal disturbed in conse- 
quence of an impression she had received, from conversations with several 
persons of the Baptist denomination, and especially from witnessing the 
mode of baptism as practised by them, — that she had never been properly 
baptized. So strong was her persuasion, that this was the only proper mode 
of baptism, that it was with the greatest difficulty, as I understood, that her 
friends prevailed on her to remain connected with a Congregational Church. 
She was, besides, in a delicate state of health, and, as there is reason to 
think, at least for some part of the time, in a state of high nervous excite- 
ment. It was in this state of mind, and under these circumstances, that she 
left our communion. From this time her health continued to decline, till 
her death, which took place Nov. 25, 1824, at the early age of twenty-four. 
During her last sickness, I visited her occasionally, and was always cor- 
dially received ; and except when she was too much exhausted, was always 
invited to pray with and for her. These visits I recal with much satisfac- 
tion, for they confirmed me in the belief I cherish and hold dear, that the 
great topics of consolation and support are such as belong to all the sincere 
followers of Christ, and cannot with justice be appropriated by any sect or 
denomination as exclusively theirs ; and that differences of speculative be- 
lief are almost lost sight of on the death-bed of the meek and lowly dis- 
ciple of Jesus. Peace be to her memory ; — she was dear to me as one in 
whom dwelt a sincere, a trustful, and a loving spirit. 



Note I. Page 15. 

Some persons have inconsiderately applied the epithet Unitarian to this 
Church and Society. The title is one of which we need not be ashamed, 
for it refers to one of the prime articles of our faith, — the personal unity of 
God, which we believe to rest on the solid basis of Scripture and reason. 



32 



But against this Church and Society taking this for their denominational 
title, I enter my sole7nn protest. Our Church is, in fact, the First Congrega- 
tional Church, and our Society the First Congregational Society in North- 
borough. It has never changed name or character; and this is the title by 
which we choose to be called. Let each Religious Society be called by its 
own name, — the name and denomination it has chosen for itself. And as 
one of these Societies is designated as " The First Baptist Society," and 
another as " The Evangelical Congregational Society," so this is, and should 
be, " The First Congregational Society " in the town of Northborough. 



Note K. Page 16. 

It was as early as 1822, that a committee was chosen by the Convention 
of Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts, at their annual meeting in 
May, to inquire " what constitutes a Christian Church, with which we ought 
to hold communion as such ? " The committee made their report at the 
meeting in May of the following year ; the character of which report may 
be inferred from the fact, that a majority of the committee were of the class 
denominated " Orthodox." It was virtually a denial of the Christian name 
to their Unitarian brethren, and a recommendation to withhold Christian 
fellowship from them. This report, it was expected, would be adopted by a 
decided majority ; but after it had been read, and a motion made by one of 
its friends to have it printed, and a copy sent to each member of the Con- 
vention, the venerable Dr. Pierce of Brookline arose and moved that the 
subject be indefinitely postponed. To the surprise of all and the joy of many, 
the motion prevailed by a great majority, many of the Orthodox members 
voting in its favor. 

Note L. Page 16. 

Among the ministers thus honorably distinguished, I may mention the 
late venerable and excellent Dr. Puffer, of Berlin, between whom and myself 
a friendly intercourse by way of exchanges and otherwise was maintained 
till his death, which took place on Fast day, April 9, 1829, at the age of 73. 
I visited, conversed and prayed with him on his death-bed, on which occa- 
sion he expressed an affectionate interest in my prosperity, and in that of 
the Church of which I was pastor, and gave me at parting his benediction. 

Note M. Page 16. 

The three persons referred to were — Lewis and Anna Fay, and Sophia 
Ball. 



33 



Note N. Page 16. 

The following were the persons who asked a dismission at this time ; 
namely, Nahum and Lucy Fay, Nathan and Susanna Ball, Grace Fay, and 
Alice Rice. Three of these had joined the Church under my ministry, the 
other three under that of my predecessor. 



Note O. Page 17. 

The original donation amounted to $3000, which was accepted by a 
unanimous vote of the town, the 7th of March, 1831, and a committee, con- 
sisting of the pastor, Stephen Williams, Esq., Col. Joseph Davis, Asaph 
Rice, and Phineas Davis, Esq. were chosen with full power to execute such 
an instrument in behalf of the town, as might be agreed upon by them and 
the said Gassett, for carrying the proposed donation into effect. 

Such an instrument was accordingly drafted by Hon. John Davis and 
Pliny Merrick, Esq. of Worcester, and was duly executed, and the money 
paid into the hands of the committee on the 15th of the following July. 
The following extract from the aforesaid instrument will show how the in- 
terest of the fund is to be appropriated. 

After making provision for the comfortable maintenance of two aged rela- 
tives, then living in this town, and for the gradual increase of the fund by 
the annual addition of one sixth of the interest of it, till it should amount 
to the sum of $ 4000, the instrument proceeds : 

" 4. So soon as the fund yields anything beyond the above annual appro- 
priations for the said individuals and for its own increase, whatever it so 
yields shall annually be paid to the Congregational Society in said town, 
over which the Rev. Joseph Allen is now the settled minister, until the 
amount shall annually be equal to the sum of $ 750, for the support and 
maintenance of such ministers and preachers as said Society shall employ 
to preach the Gospel, so long as said Society shall exist, which sum shall 
be laid out for such purpose, under the direction and at the discretion of 
said Society, — the charity being intended for their benefit and relief ; and 
it is to be paid into their treasury, — provided, however, and if the said 
Society shall cease to exist, or shall cease to maintain a good and conven- 
ient house for public worship, for an unreasonable length of time, upon or 
near to the spot where the present Meetinghouse stands, they shall, on the 
happening of either event, cease to enjoy the benefit of said annual sum, 
and the same shall remain with, and be the property of the said town, to be 
applied by them to the support and maintenance of a good public school, 
to be kept at some central place in said town, for the benefit of the inhabi- 
tants thereof forever." 



ti> 



34 



Note P. Page 20. 

The number of children connected with the Sunday School the present 
season is considerably less than it had been for several of the years imme- 
diately preceding, being only about 150; whereas in 1840, it was 195, in 
1839, 189, in 1833, 193, and in 1837, 233. I cannot satisfactorily account 
for this falling off; though I am aware that several families have removed 
to other places, and that the large Bible Class of young ladies, which in 
1837 amounted to 21, has been greatly diminished by drafts continually 
made upon it for teachers to supply the places of those who have left town, 
or relinquished the office of Sunday School Teachers, while the Bible Class 
of young men, which in the same year consisted of 15, has been wholly 
disbanded. Some, I fear, have left the school, who should have continued 
in it much longer. Let those whom it concerns see to it, that the Sunday 
School do not languish for want of patronage and encouragement. 



Note Q. Page 20. 

The Vestry was built by subscription in the spring and summer of 1833, 
the town having granted leave to the Parish to remove and raise the Town 
House for that purpose. The whole cost, including furniture, &c. was 
$894 53. The new pulpit was built and the Meetinghouse carpeted in 
January, 1838. The carpet was purchased by the ladies of the Society. 

The Meetinghouse itself was built in 1808, at a cost, including the bell, 
of more than $ 11,000, and, having been always kept in good repair, has 
the appearance of a new house, and is, in fact, much superior to many 
modern churches. 

A furnace was placed in the Church in Dec. 1824, at a cost of more than 
$ 300 ; for which, as not answering its purpose, two stoves were substituted 
in the autumn of 1835. 



Note R. Page 21. 

Among the calamitous events of the period under review, may be reckon- 
ed the mortal distemper among children, (scarlet fever,) which prevailed in 
this town, in the spring and summer of 1839. In the month of May the 
disease assumed a most malignant character, so as in many instances to 
baffle the powers of the medical art. But few families in the village es- 
caped ; and in some from three to six or seven were sick at the same time. 
Some parents were left childless. In one instance two sweet babes, and in 
another three, two of them twin-sisters, falling victims in quick succession 
to the fell destroyer. It was on the occasion of the death of the first of 



35 



the three, one of the twin-sisters, whose names were Adeline and Angeline, 
and the dangerous sickness of the other, that the following lines were com- 
posed, entitled, 

THE SPIRIT'S INVITATION TO HER TWIN-SISTER UPON EARTH. 



Sister, sister, come to me ! 
O what glorious forms I see ! 
What enchanting sounds I hear, 
Bursting on my ravished ear ! 

Little children, hand in hand, 
Round their Saviour smiling stand, 
Chanting hymns and songs divine ; 
Come and join them, Angeline ! 

At one hour we came to Earth, 
Let one be our heavenly birth, 
With mortal things no longer stay, 
Sister spirit, come away ! 

Mother, though it grieves your heart 
From your little ones to part, 
Father, in your tender care 
Though no longer we can share, 

Yet a heavenly Father's love 
Waits to cherish us above, 
And a home, Oh ! happier far 
Than our earthly mansions are. 

All is purity and love 

In the realms of bliss above ; 

Sin and sorrow are unknown, 

Round our heavenly Father's throne. 



Here we wait our Father's will 
Some kind mission to fulfil ; 
Then with joy we fly, to shed 
Blessings on some much-loved head. 

And the trials that he sends, 
Loss of children, loss of friends, 
Though they fill with tears your eyes, 
Are but " blessings in disguise," 

If they lead your souls to Him 
Who, though tempted, knew no sin, 
Who can for your sorrows feel, 
And your wounded hearts can heal. 

Mother, father, when you feel 
Thoughts of heaven o'er you steal, 
When you lift your hearts in prayer, 
Think your children with you there. 

Should your heavenly Father call 
To his arms your last, your all, 
Do not think him then unjust, 
Nor his kindness e'er distrust. 

Then, when all are gathered there, 
Safe beneath his guardian care, 
You can say with faith and love, 
" All our treasures are above ! " 



During the month of May, nine children deceased, between the ages of 
fifteen months and nine years, and seven more in June and July, making 
sixteen in all. The whole number of cases must have exceeded an hundred. 
The last six years, beginning with 1835, have been marked by an unusual 
mortality ; the average number of deaths during that period being nearly 
twenty-six annually, more than double the average number during the first 
half of my ministry. 

I should be glad to preserve some memorial of the worthy citizens and 
valued friends, who have passed from among us within the last Quarter 
Century, besides the four deacons of whom some notice has been taken. 
There was Captain Samuel Wood, who commanded the company of minute 
men, that marched to Cambridge on receiving the news of the battle of 
Lexington, and who was wounded in the battle of Bunker Hill, a man of 
great firmness and resolution and decision of character, and of unsullied 
integrity. There was James Keyes, Esq., who for many years represented 
this town in the State Legislature, in whose good judgment and strict hon- 
esty the utmost confidence was reposed by all who knew him, a kind neigh- 



36 



bor and public spirited citizen. And then there was the generous-hearted 
and open-handed Col. John Crawford, brimful of wit and good-humor, and 
ready to every good work. And Col. William Eager, who loved the Sanc- 
tuary of God, who was versed in the Sacred Scriptures, and who took a 
warm interest in whatever related to the prosperity of the church, and the 
promotion of learning and religion. There was Phineas Davis, Esq., a 
strong and energetic man, imbued with practical good sense, firm and inde- 
pendent, not easily turned from his purpose. And Stephen Williams, Esq., 
a man of few words, but of acute observation and remarkable penetration, a 
man who knew not to flatter or deceive, one who despised meanness and 
abhorred duplicity, and whose kindness knew no bounds. But time would 
fail me, if I should attempt to commemorate all the worthy persons with 
whom I have been pleasantly associated, whose confidence I shared, and of 
whose kindness I had large experience. I have selected a few not be- 
cause others are less worthy, but because these were men who more than 
others took a leading part in the affairs of the town, and whose influence 
therefore was more widely felt, as they were more generally known. 

I should be glad, too, to record the virtues of the many excellent persons 
of the other sex, who have been taken from us during this period, leaving 
behind them the savor of a good name ; whose steady friendship I enjoyed, 
and to whose encouragement and aid I feel that I am much indebted for 
whatever success has attended my ministrations in this place. But it would 
be an invidious task to select, where so many are worthy. Their loss is 
deeply deplored. Their memory is cherished by many warm and affection- 
ate hearts. Their names, I doubt not, are written in the book of life. May 
their places be supplied by others, who shall possess a kindred spirit, and 
who shall be equally " zealous of good works. 1 ' 



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